Club Girly Girlz Goes Under

The popular party event organization left many parents holding the bag

A chain of popular kid’s party locations, Club Girly Girlz, in New Zealand has gone out of business and left some parents with the loss of their deposits as well as many little girls crying. Catherine Mary Louise Casey and her husband David Gregor Casey, who own the business, were unavailable for comment.

On August 28, Club Girly Girlz went into liquidation owing more than $80,000 to about 50 creditors. Apparel House, another one of Catherine Casey’s businesses went into receivership in July. The company supplied uniforms to many major sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup.

One newly opened Club Girly Girlz franchise stores in Christchurch owned by Gary Marshall is still operating but its future is shaky. “We are disappointed that just months after we signed up to what we were told was a promising company, we are fighting to keep our business going,” said Marshall. Rodgers Reidy liquidator Paul Vlasic said about 30 parents reported cancelled parties so an attempt was made by the owners to cancel party bookings but the staff was unable to reach everyone.

7-year-old Molly Arthur was one of the girls that were left in tears. The Auckland youth had a princess party at Club Girly Girlz in Albany planned for weeks but when she and her 10 friends arrived for the party last Sunday the doors were locked and the hall was empty. Her mother Jayne Arthur also lost her $400 deposit on the party. “I was standing there in the carpark with 11 very disappointed girls, the birthday cake in the car and nowhere to have a party.” Arthur said.

Also on Sunday, Yong-Hill Yu and 13 of her best friends arrived to celebrate Yong-Hill Yu’s 7th birthday. Yong-Hill’s mother, Young Park, had to quickly arrange for a party at home later in the day. “I had paid $175 deposit and there was no phone call, no email, no text to cancel the party,” Park says. “The girls were very upset, they were supposed to have the deluxe party but now we will have it at home later.”